Creating a picture-perfect holiday portrait

Remember when the family was together for all those Christmases past? You don't need to go any further than your photo album to take a stroll down memory lane. But why is Uncle Frank out of focus? Did Cousin Amy really cut herself out of that photo because she thought it was unflattering? And you can't see anyone in the photo taken in front of the picture window - they're all backlit.

For many of us, the holidays are the only time the whole family gets together. And that's the perfect time to capture an annual family portrait. Many of those special memories wind up in the back of a drawer because even if your holiday was picture perfect, your holiday photo was not. But with just a few simple adjustments, you can make your portrait worthy of the spot above the mantel.

You don't need to go out and buy the latest state-of-the-art camera for the family portrait, advises Brian Colkitt, lead digital photography instructor at The Art Institute of Phoenix. "Most people have a pretty good point and shoot camera; it's just important to know the modes," he says. "By putting your camera in portrait mode, you set the flash on the camera, giving a good blend between the lighting in the room and the lighting on the subjects."

If lighting is still an issue, take the family outside says Jennifer Elmore, a photography instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Worth, a campus of South University. "Use the gorgeous natural light outside and use the family home as a backdrop."

Allow your family's personality to come out says Sarah Sudhoff, digital photography instructor at The Art Institute of San Antonio, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston. "If you are an outdoorsy family, wear your outdoorsy outfits," she suggests. "Just because you're taking your holiday photo, doesn't necessarily mean you have to be decked out in holiday garb."

When most people make a judgment about a photo, it's based on how they look in the picture. Mom, grandma and your favorite cousin are all hoping that the pounds they packed on starting at Thanksgiving can somehow be masked. You don't need to know Photoshop to make this happen. "If you want to look skinny, stand at an angle facing the camera," says Elmore. Colkitt advises keeping your arms away from your body, resting hands on hips or with hands in pockets with just the thumbs out. This gives a nice angle to the arm. And you can always choose to wear the most slimming color around - black.

You don't have to "stage" the family portrait. Consider getting shots of family members in action: walking toward the camera or engaging in conversation. And let the family personalities come out. Sometimes the goofy pictures are the ones we want to see most.

If you're including your furry family members, Sudhoff suggests you have treats on hand to keep Fluffy on task.

Finally, all three photographers urge you to go for the natural smile. Don't force your subjects to say that magic word. Leave the "cheese" on the cutting board.

To learn more about The Art Institutes visit www.artinstitutes.edu.